MCAT® ExamBiological and Biochemical Foundations of Living SystemsEasy
A cell is observed to have a large central vacuole, a cell wall, and chloroplasts. Based on these observations, this cell is most likely to be from which of the following organisms?
- ABacterium
- BFungus
- CAnimal
- DPlant
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Plant
The presence of a large central vacuole, a cell wall, and chloroplasts are all defining characteristics of a plant cell. No other option typically possesses this combination of organelles.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Bacteria are prokaryotes; they have a cell wall but lack a nucleus, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.
- B. Fungal cells have a cell wall (made of chitin) and sometimes vacuoles, but they lack chloroplasts.
- C. Animal cells lack a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole.
Plant Cell Characteristics
Eukaryotic cells distinguished by specific organelles including a cell wall, chloroplasts, and a large central vacuole, enabling photosynthesis and structural support.
- Cell wall (cellulose).
- Chloroplasts (photosynthesis).
- Large central vacuole (turgor, storage).
- Plasmodesmata for intercellular communication.
Memory trick: Plant: 'P'hotosynthesizes, 'P'rotected wall, 'P'acked vacuole!